Modular multi-container housing structure, multi-container interlock, and methods for manufacture of same

ABSTRACT

A modular multi-container housing structure connector for containers, which each have sides including a roof, a floor, and four lateral sides, includes a connector frame comprising vertical and horizontal struts shaped to connect to at least one of the sides of two adjacent containers and at least one interlock configured to secure the connector frame to the side of one container. The at least one interlock may be a plurality of interlocks. The connector frame may comprise two vertical struts and two horizontal struts each shaped and configured to connect to a respective edge of an adjacent side of two adjacent containers and, responsive to the connector frame being connected to two adjacent sides of two adjacent containers by the plurality of interlocks, the connector frame and interlocks form a container-to-connector frame-to-container connection to establish a weather-tight housing structure with the two or multiple connected containers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of CU.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/036,751, filed Jun. 9, 2020; theprior application is herewith incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present systems, apparatuses, and methods lie in the field ofmodular structures, in particular, houses. The present disclosurerelates to a modular multi-container housing structure, amulti-container interlock, and methods for manufacturing the housingstructure and the interlock.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, a container refers to an intermodal, box-type, shippingor freight container, for example, those that are loaded and moved oncontainer ships, trains, and 18-wheel container trucks. A container canrefer to short or long shipping containers, for example, containers thatare 20′, 40′, 6 m, and/or 12 m in length. Many containers are 8′ (2.43m) wide and 8.5′ (2.59 m) high, although they can come in any length,width, or height. The container can be made of any metal or plasticmaterial but, typically, the container is made of steel. The containersmay have corrugated sides, roof, and/or floor. Some have flat sides,roof, and/or floor. Typical containers are rectanguloid or box-type andhave one side that also operates as a door. Either the entire side orpart of the side is the door to access the interior of the container.

All container housing to date has been using existing containers andcutting into the container, welding the containers together, andreinforcing the containers to meet the desired configurations. Thisrequired significant manual labor in the field, specialized tools,torches, welders, etc., thus, resulting in high production cost. Itwould be beneficial to eliminate and/or reduce cutting into containers,welding the containers together, and reinforcing the containers.

Thus, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art systems,designs, and processes as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The systems, apparatuses, and methods described provide a modularmulti-container housing structure, a multi-container interlock, andmethods for manufacturing the housing structure and the interlock thatovercome the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-knowndevices and methods of this general type and that provide such featureswith a housing structure that is able to withstand hurricane wind forcesthat could approach 480 kilometers per hour (300 miles per hour).

The systems, apparatuses, and methods described eliminates orsubstantially reduces the need to cut into containers. The systems,apparatuses, and methods described eliminates the need to weldingcontainers together. The systems, apparatuses, and methods describedeliminates the need to reinforce containers used for modular housing.All of this is accomplished by producing the containers and modules in afactory for field assembly using nothing more than a handheld powertool, such as a corded or cordless drill.

The modularized system is weather-tight once assembled and testing ofthe systems will assure that the modular housing will withstand winds ofup to approximately 482.8 kph (approximately 300 mph), thus complyingand exceeding current hurricane and tornado building codes. The uniquesystems, apparatuses, and methods of attaching the units together createa unified component without the need of manual fasteners or welding.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, amodular multi-container housing structure connector for containers eachhaving sides including a roof, a floor, and four lateral sides, theconnector comprising a connector frame comprising vertical andhorizontal struts shaped to connect to at least one of the sides of twoadjacent containers and at least one interlock configured to secure theconnector frame to the side of one container.

With the objects in view, there is also provided a modularmulti-container housing structure connector for containers each havingsides including a roof, a floor, and four lateral sides, the connectorcomprising a connector frame comprising two vertical struts and twohorizontal struts each shaped to removably connect to a respective edgeof an adjacent side of two adjacent containers and a plurality ofinterlocks each configured to secure at least one of the struts to theside of at least one of the two adjacent containers, and, responsive tothe connector frame being connected to two adjacent sides of twoadjacent containers by the plurality of interlocks, the connector frameand interlocks form a container-to-connector frame-to-containerconnection to establish a weather-tight housing structure with the twoconnected containers.

With the objects in view, there is also provided a modularmulti-container housing structure comprising at least two containerseach having sides including a roof, a floor, and four lateral sides anda container connector comprising a connector frame comprising twovertical struts and two horizontal struts each shaped to removablyconnect to a respective edge of an adjacent side of two adjacentcontainers and a plurality of interlocks each configured to secure atleast one of the struts to the side of at least one of the two adjacentcontainers, and, responsive to the connector frame being connected totwo adjacent sides of two adjacent containers by the plurality ofinterlocks, the connector frame and interlocks form acontainer-to-connector frame-to-container connection to establish aweather-tight housing structure with the two connected containers.

In accordance with another feature, the at least one interlock is aplurality of interlocks and the connector frame comprises two verticalstruts and two horizontal struts each shaped and configured to connectto a respective edge of an adjacent side of two adjacent containers and,responsive to the connector frame being connected to two adjacent sidesof two adjacent containers by the plurality of interlocks, forms acontainer-to-connector frame-to-container connection to establish aweather-tight housing structure with the two connected containers.

In accordance with a further feature, the at least one of the sides isselected from one of the roof, the floor, and one of the four lateralsides.

In accordance with an added feature, the housing structure is configuredto withstand wind forces up to 480 kilometers per hour.

In accordance with an additional feature, the at least one interlock isshaped to secure the connector frame to the side of one container with ahand tool having an actuator.

In accordance with yet another feature, the shape of the at least oneinterlock that corresponds to the actuator of the hand tool to securethe at least one interlock to the connector frame comprises at least oneof a screw drive and a nut drive.

In accordance with yet a further feature, the screw drive comprises atleast one of a Phillips head orifice, a slotted orifice, a torx orifice,a tri-wing orifice, a spline orifice, a hex socket, a square orifice,and a triangle orifice.

In accordance with yet an added feature, the interlock is configured toremovably lock with standard corner fittings of a container.

In accordance with yet an additional feature, the connector framecomprises at least one of a rectangular, one-piece frame, a square,one-piece frame, a rectangular, two-piece frame, a square, two-pieceframe, a rectangular, four-piece frame, and a square, four-piece frame.

In accordance with again another feature, there is provided awater-proofing seal disposed between the connector frame and an adjacentside of the adjacent container.

In accordance with again a further feature, the connector frame furthercomprises a window frame system as well as a window's shutter system.

In accordance with a concomitant feature, the connector frame furthercomprises a door frame system.

In accordance with an associated feature, the connector frame furthercomprises a roof module frame system, including and not limited to gableroof, hip roof, Polynesian roof, curved roof, and/or shed roof. The roofmodule is connected from its bottom side to the connector frameconnected above or on top of a shipping container.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, amodular multi-container housing structure connection system for shippingcontainers having corner fittings defining orifices, comprising aplurality of modular interchangeable interlocks each having a lock part,movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and shapedand configured to lock within an orifice of a corner fitting of ashipping container, a modular connector frame comprising a plurality ofmodular, interchangeable struts each having, a first corner interlockassembly defining a first hollow interlock assembly compartment shapedto contain therein at least one of the interchangeable interlocks, asecond corner interlock assembly defining a second hollow interlockassembly compartment shaped to contain therein at least another one ofthe interchangeable interlocks, wherein the plurality of modular,interchangeable struts includes at least a pair of right and leftvertical struts and a pair of upper and lower horizontal struts, atleast a first subset of the interchangeable interlocks are disposedwithin each of the first and second hollow interlock assemblycompartments and positioned such that, responsive to moving each lockpart into the locked position, the pairs of vertical and horizontalstruts are removably locked together to form a completely enclosedrectangular frame having four corners, and a second subset of theinterchangeable interlocks are disposed in at least one of the first andsecond corner interlock assemblies at each of the four corners of theframe positioned and are configured to lock within an opposing orificeof a corner fitting of a shipping container responsive to the framebeing placed against a side of the shipping container and to the secondsubset of the interchangeable interlocks being moved into the lockedposition.

With the objects in view, there is also provided a modularmulti-container housing structure connection system for shippingcontainers having corner fittings defining orifices comprises aplurality of modular interchangeable interlocks shaped and configured tolock within an orifice of a shipping container, a modular connectorframe comprising modular, interchangeable struts each having opposingfirst and second corner interlock assemblies each containing at leastone of the modular interchangeable interlocks, the struts comprising apair of right and left vertical struts and a pair of upper and lowerhorizontal struts, a first subset of the plurality of modularinterchangeable interlocks is within the corner interlock assemblies andis positioned such that, when locked, the vertical and horizontal strutsremovably lock together to form a rectangular frame, and a second subsetof the plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks is within thecorner interlock assemblies of the frame positioned and configured tolock within an opposing orifice of a corner fitting of a shippingcontainer when the frame is placed against a shipping container and whenthe second subset is locked.

In accordance with a further feature, there is provided a third subsetof the interchangeable interlocks disposed in at least one of the firstand second corner interlock assemblies at each of the four corners ofthe frame positioned and configured to lock within an opposing orificeof a corner fitting of a shipping container responsive to the framebeing placed against a side of the shipping container and to the thirdsubset of the interchangeable interlocks being moved into the lockedposition, a first shipping container having a first side comprising fourcorner fittings each defining at least one lock part orifice, a secondshipping container having a second side opposing and facing the firstside and comprising four corner fittings each defining at least one lockpart orifice, and wherein the frame has a first face and a second faceopposite the first face, and is disposed to face the lock parts of thesecond subset of the interchangeable interlocks towards the first sidesuch that, responsive to the second subset of the interchangeableinterlocks being moved into the locked position, each lock part of thesecond subset of the interchangeable interlocks removably locks within arespective opposing lock part orifice of each of the four cornerfittings of the first side and water tightly seals the first face of theframe against the first side of the first shipping container and to facethe lock parts of the third subset of the interchangeable interlockstowards the second side such that, responsive to the third subset of theinterchangeable interlocks being moved into the locked position, eachlock part of the third subset of the interchangeable interlocksremovably locks within a respective opposing lock part orifice of eachof the four corner fittings of the second side and water tightly sealsthe second face of the frame against the second side of the secondshipping container.

In accordance with an added feature, each of the plurality of modularinterchangeable interlocks is identical in shape and is configured to beany of the first and second subsets of the interchangeable interlocks.

In accordance with an additional feature, each of the plurality ofmodular interchangeable interlocks is identical in shape and configuredto be any of the first, second, and third subsets of the interchangeableinterlocks.

In accordance with yet another feature, each of the plurality of modularinterchangeable interlocks comprises a pivot boss, a body, and adriveshaft, the lock part has threads and is configured to pivot on thepivot boss with respect to the body, and the driveshaft comprisesthreads operably connected to and corresponding with the threads of thelock part and a connector shaped to interact with a standard power tooland, responsive to rotation of the connector by the power tool, to pivotthe lock part about the pivot boss between the unlocked position and thelocked position.

In accordance with yet a further feature, the driveshaft has alongitudinal axis, is fixed in place with respect to the body, and isrotatable about the longitudinal axis.

In accordance with yet an added feature, there is provided a washer andnut assembly fixing the driveshaft in place in the body with thedriveshaft being freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis.

In accordance with yet an additional feature, the connector has a headcomprising one of an internal Philips head connector, an internal flathead connector, an external hexagonal nut connector, an external starnut connector, and an external square nut connector.

In accordance with again another feature, each of the plurality ofmodular, interchangeable struts comprises a first end at which the firstcorner interlock assembly defines the first hollow interlock assemblycompartment shaped to contain therein at least three of theinterchangeable interlocks and a second end, opposite the first end, atwhich the second corner interlock assembly defines the second hollowinterlock assembly compartment shaped to contain therein at leastanother three of the interchangeable interlocks.

In accordance with again a further feature, there is provided at leastone accessory comprising at least one of a stairway, a façade, siding, awindow, a window treatment, a window casement, a roof, a roof segment, awall, a door, and a door casement, each accessory comprising at leastone hollow interlock assembly compartment shaped to receive therein atleast one of the modular interchangeable interlocks.

In accordance with again an added feature, responsive to the at leastone modular interchangeable interlock being disposed in the at least onehollow interlock assembly compartment and to the lock part of the atleast one modular interchangeable interlock being moved into the lockedposition, the at least one modular interchangeable interlock removablylocks the respective accessory to a respective opposing lock partorifice of one of the corner fittings of one of the first and secondshipping containers.

In accordance with again an additional feature, at least one of thefirst and second shipping containers have dimensions of one of 8′ wideby 8.5′ high by 20′ long, 8′ wide by 8.5′ high by 40′ long, 8′ wide by8.5′ high by 40′ long, 8′ wide by 8.5′ high by 10′ long, 8′ wide by 9.5′high by 40′ long, and 8′ wide by 9.5′ high by 45′ long.

In accordance with still another feature, the first and second shippingcontainers and the modular connector frame comprise at least one schoolroom.

In accordance with still a further feature, the first and secondshipping containers and the modular connector frame comprise at leastone laboratory.

In accordance with still an added feature, the first and second shippingcontainers and the modular connector frame comprise at least one cleanroom.

In accordance with a concomitant feature, the first and second shippingcontainers and the modular connector frame comprise a hurricane shelterconfigured withstand winds of up to 300 mph.

Although the systems, apparatuses, and methods are illustrated anddescribed herein as embodied in a modular multi-container housingstructure, a multi-container interlock, and methods for manufacturingthe housing structure and the interlock, it is, nevertheless, notintended to be limited to the details shown because variousmodifications and structural changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and within the scope andrange of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements ofexemplary embodiments will not be described in detail or will be omittedso as not to obscure the relevant details of the systems, apparatuses,and methods.

Additional advantages and other features characteristic of the systems,apparatuses, and methods will be set forth in the detailed descriptionthat follows and may be apparent from the detailed description or may belearned by practice of exemplary embodiments. Still other advantages ofthe systems, apparatuses, and methods may be realized by any of theinstrumentalities, methods, or combinations particularly pointed out inthe claims.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the systems,apparatuses, and methods are set forth in the appended claims. Asrequired, detailed embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methodsare disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely exemplary of the systems, apparatuses, andmethods, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art tovariously employ the systems, apparatuses, and methods in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases usedherein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide anunderstandable description of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.While the specification concludes with claims defining the systems,apparatuses, and methods of the invention that are regarded as novel, itis believed that the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be betterunderstood from a consideration of the following description inconjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numeralsare carried forward.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, which are not true to scale, and which, together with thedetailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of thespecification, serve to illustrate further various embodiments and toexplain various principles and advantages all in accordance with thesystems, apparatuses, and methods. Advantages of embodiments of thesystems, apparatuses, and methods will be apparent from the followingdetailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, whichdescription should be considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a floor plan for a ground floor of an exemplary embodiment ofa modular, multi-container, living structure;

FIG. 2 is a floor plan for a first floor of the multi-containerstructure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a floor plan for a second floor of the multi-containerstructure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of themulti-container structure of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the multi-container structureof FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the multi-container structure of FIG. 4from the front right corner;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the multi-container structure of FIG. 4from above the front left corner;

FIG. 8 is an exploded, perspective view of the multi-container structureof FIG. 4 above the front right corner with architectural elementsincluding windows, shutters, doors, flooring, roof, siding, and stairs;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a diagrammatic representation of anexemplary embodiment of a container-to-connector frame-to-containerconnection for a modular, multi-container, living structure in a stepbefore connection of a complete connector frame to a first shippingcontainer's corner fittings;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection of FIG. 9 in a modular, multi-container,living structure in steps both before and after connection of theconnector frame's right vertical strut to the first shipping container'scorresponding corner fittings with a water-tight seal therebetween;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection of FIG. 10 in a piece-by-piece assemblymethod after connection of the first vertical strut of FIG. 11 and insteps before and after an upper horizontal strut of the connector frameis connected to the corresponding upper corner fittings of the firstshipping container with the seal therebetween;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection of FIG. 11 in a step after connection ofthe right vertical strut and the upper horizontal strut of the connectorframe, and in steps before and after the left vertical strut of theconnector frame is connected to the corresponding lower left shippingcontainer's corner fitting and to the upper left corner interlockassembly of the connector frame;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection of FIG. 12 in steps after connection ofthe right and left vertical struts and the upper horizontal strut of theconnector frame to the first shipping container's corner fittings, andbefore and after connection of a lower horizontal strut of the connectorframe;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection of FIG. 13 in a step after connection ofthe complete connector frame to the first shipping container's cornerfittings and before connection of the connector frame to corner fittingsof a second, adjacent shipping container, shown in dashed lines, with anon-illustrated seal therebetween;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection of FIG. 14 in a step after the horizontalconnection of the second shipping container to the connector frame witha non-illustrated sealant or caulking disposed therebetween.

FIG. 16 is an exploded, perspective view of exemplary embodiments ofcontainer-to-connector frame-to-container connections in a modular,multi-container, living structure with two shipping containers one abovethe other, with a first, vertical connector frame shown in an explodedview away from a forward end of the lower-positioned shipping container,and with a second, horizontal connector frame between a bottom side ofthe upper shipping container and a top side of the lower shippingcontainer;

FIG. 17 is an exploded, perspective view of exemplary embodiments ofcontainer-to-connector frame-to-container connections in a modular,multi-container, living structure with a first, vertical connector frameshown away from a rear end frame of a shipping container, with a second,vertical connector frame shown away from a front end frame of theshipping container, and with a third, vertical, side connector frameshown away from a right side of the shipping container;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view of the exemplaryembodiments of container-to-connector frame-to-container connections ina modular, multi-container, living structure with a first connectorframe system shown horizontally placed away from a rear end frame of alower shipping container and a second horizontal connector frame shownspaced from and between a bottom side of an upper shipping container anda top side of the lower shipping container and a waterproofing sealanton the top and bottom of the horizontal connector frame system;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of a portion of asecuring tab/twistlock cone of the interlock of FIG. 21 installedagainst a shipping container's corner fitting in a rotated unlockedposition;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the portion of the securingtab/twistlock cone of FIG. 21 in both the unlocked position and, withdashed lines, in a rotated partially or fully locked position;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa container-to-connector frame-to-container securing interlock;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary, longitudinally cross-sectional view of afurther exemplary embodiment of a container-to-connectorframe-to-container securing interlock in a locked state securing twoadjacent shipping containers' corner fittings together to anintermediate connector frame;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary, longitudinally cross-sectional view of anotherexemplary embodiment of a container-to-connector frame-to-containersecuring interlock in a locked state securing two adjacent shippingcontainers' corner fittings together to an intermediate connector frame;

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary, side elevational and partially cross-sectionalview of a securing tab/twistlock cone, with a spring-loaded internalrod, of the container-to-connector frame-to-container securing interlocksystem of either of FIG. 22 or 23 within a securement chamber andlocking in place to a shipping container's corner fitting;

FIG. 25 is a plan view of the securing tab/twistlock cone of FIG. 24with helical spiral fins of the securing tab locked on walls of theshipping container's corner fitting, the opening of the connectorframe's securement chamber and the shipping container's corner fittingin which the securing tab extends being shown in dashed lines;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the securingtab/twistlock cone, with helical spiral fins, and a shipping container'scorner fitting of FIGS. 22 to 24 with the securing tab in a firstrotated position outside the shipping container's corner fitting;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the securingtab/twistlock cone of FIG. 26 with the securing tab in a second rotatedposition partially inside the shipping container's corner fitting;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the securingtab/twistlock cone of FIG. 26 with the securing tab in a third rotatedposition within the shipping container's corner fitting;

FIG. 29 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an alternative embodimentof a securing interlock mechanism of a container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection;

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an alternative embodimentof a securing interlock mechanism of a container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection;

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of another exemplaryembodiment of a container-to-connector frame-to-container securinginterlock in a locked state securing two adjacent shipping containers'corner fittings together;

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a further exemplaryembodiment of a container-to-connector frame-to-container securinginterlock in a locked state securing two adjacent shipping containers'corner fittings together;

FIG. 33 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of thecontainer-to-connector frame-to-container securing interlock of FIG. 32in an unlocked state;

FIG. 34 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a further exemplaryembodiment of a container-to-connector frame-to-container securinginterlock in a locked state securing two adjacent shipping containers'corner fittings together;

FIG. 35 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of thecontainer-to-connector frame-to-container securing interlock of FIG. 34in an unlocked state;

FIG. 36 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a further exemplaryembodiment of a container-to-connector frame-to-container securinginterlock positioned within an interlock chamber of a connector frameand in a locked state securing two adjacent shipping containers' cornerfittings together about the connector frame, the interlock having a wormgear mechanism;

FIG. 37 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective and partiallycross-sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of acontainer-to-connector frame-to-container modular securing interlockpositioned within an interlock chamber in a locked state;

FIG. 38 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective and partiallycross-sectional view of the container-to-connector frame-to-containermodular securing interlock of FIG. 37 in an unlocked state;

FIG. 39 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a further exemplaryembodiment of a container-to-connector frame-to-container modularsecuring interlock positioned within an interlock chamber of a connectorframe and in an unlocked state securing two adjacent shippingcontainers' corner fittings together about the connector frame, theinterlock having bevel gears mechanism;

FIG. 40 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of thecontainer-to-connector frame-to-container modular securing interlock ofFIG. 39 in a locked state;

FIG. 41 is a fragmentary, plan, partially cross-sectional, and partiallytransparent view of a set of four container-to-connectorframe-to-container modular securing interlocks of FIG. 37 positionedwithin interlock chambers of a connector frame assembly in a lockedstate securing the corner fittings of two adjacent shipping containerstogether;

FIG. 42 is a fragmentary, enlarged, detailed plan view and partiallycross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 41 with two of thecontainer-to-connector frame-to-container modular securing interlocks ofFIG. 37 positioned within the interlock chambers of a connector frameassembly in a locked state and an exploded plan and partiallycross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of acontainer-to-connector frame-to-container sealing assembly;

FIG. 43 is a perspective and partially transparent view of an exemplaryembodiment of a connector frame system connected and locked to thecorner fittings of a shipping container shown in dashed lines and to beconnected to the corner fittings of a second shipping container shown indashed lines in a horizontal container-to-connector frame-to-containerconnection with an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary embodimentof a lateral sealant, metal flange channel;

FIG. 44 is a fragmentary, enlarged, perspective and partiallytransparent view of the connector frame system and the lateral sealant,metal flange channel of FIG. 43 with the internal and horizontalinterlock mechanism in an unlocked state;

FIG. 45 is a fragmentary, enlarged, perspective and partially explodedand transparent view of the connector frame system with the horizontalinterlocks in a locked state connecting and locking the connector framesystem to the corner fittings of two adjacent shipping containers (shownin dashed lines) in a horizontal container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection with an exploded view of the lateralsealant, metal flange channel of FIG. 43 separated from the side of theconnector frame system and shipping containers;

FIG. 46 is a fragmentary, enlarged, perspective view of a portion of theconnector frame system of FIG. 45 with the locking mechanism in thelocked state;

FIG. 47 is an exploded, enlarged perspective and partially transparentview of an exemplary embodiment of the interlock mechanism shown in FIG.37 within a portion of a connector frame;

FIG. 48 is an exploded, enlarged perspective view of the interlockmechanism shown in FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is an enlarged, partially hidden, perspective view of theembodiment of the connector frame system and internal interlockmechanisms of FIG. 47 with a left lock part in an unlocked state andwith the upper and right lock parts in a locked state;

FIG. 50 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective and partiallycross-sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of a modularsecuring interlock in a locked state for any of connector frame, windowframe, and/or door frame systems;

FIG. 51 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective and partiallycross-sectional view of the modular securing interlock of FIG. 50 in anunlocked state;

FIG. 52 is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of avertical container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systembetween two shipping containers, one on top of the other, and with ahorizontal container-to-connector frame-to-container connection on thelower shipping container, with a container-to-connector frame-to-roofmodule connection system above the top shipping container and below aroof module to connect the roof module to the upper shipping container,and with door, window, and shutter module connector frames systems to beconnected and locked in place on the right side of the lower shippingcontainer;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modularwindow frame system having internal interlocking mechanisms connectingthe window frame system to a pair of connector frames, which assembly ofconnector frames being ready to be connected to corner fittings of ashipping container in a container-to-connector frames-to-containerconnection;

FIG. 54 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa window frame system having internal interlocking mechanisms in bothvertical and horizontal positions connecting an exemplary embodiment ofa window frame system to a pair of connector frames, which assembly ofconnector frames being ready to be connected to corner fittings of ashipping container in a container-to-connector frames-to-containerconnection;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a door framesystem having internal interlocking mechanisms in both vertical andhorizontal positions connecting an exemplary embodiment of a door framesystem to a pair of connector frames, which assembly of connector framesbeing ready to be connected to corner fittings of a shipping containerin a container-to-connector frame-to-container connection;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a doorframe-to-connector frame system connection having internal interlockingmechanisms shown in FIGS. 50 and 51;

FIG. 57 is an exploded perspective view of the door frame system of FIG.56;

FIG. 58 is a perspective side view of an exemplary embodiment of awindow frame-to-connector frame system connection containing internalinterlocking mechanisms shown in FIGS. 50 and 51;

FIG. 59 is an exploded perspective view of the window system of FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a fragmentary, plan and partially cross-sectional view of aleft portion of the lower jamb of the window frame-to-connector framesystem connection shown in FIG. 58 having a modular interlock part ofFIGS. 50 and 51 in a locked state and, in dashed lines, the lock part inan unlocked state;

FIG. 61 is a fragmentary, plan and partially cross-sectional view of aright portion of the lower jamb of the window frame-to-connector framesystem connection shown in FIG. 58 having a modular interlock part ofFIGS. 50 and 51 in a locked state and, in dashed lines, the lock part inan unlocked state;

FIG. 62 is a perspective and cross-sectional view of an exemplaryembodiment of a horizontal window frame-to-connector frame systemconnection shown in FIG. 58 having a securing interlock shown in FIG. 50positioned within an interlock chamber of a connector frame in a lockedstate;

FIG. 63 is a fragmentary, enlarged, perspective and cross-sectional viewof a portion of the horizontal window frame-to-connector frame systemconnection shown in FIG. 62;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of ahorizontal bay window frame-to-connector frame system connection havinginternal interlocking mechanisms shown in FIG. 50 from an interior side;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the horizontal bay windowframe-to-connector frame system connection shown in FIG. 64 from anexterior side of the bay window;

FIG. 66 is an exploded perspective view of the bay window connectorframe system of FIGS. 64 to 65 having internal interlocking mechanismsshown in FIG. 50 in horizontal positions to be connected to a bay windowframe in a horizontal bay window frame-to-connector frame systemconnection;

FIG. 67 is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of avertical container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systembetween two shipping containers, one on top of the other, and with ahorizontal container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systembetween two shipping containers, one on the rear end side of the other,with a container-to-connector frame-to-hip roof module connection systemabove the top shipping container and below a hip roof module to connectthe hip roof module to the upper shipping container, and with door,window, and shutter module connector frames systems to be connected andlocked in place on the right side of the lower shipping container;

FIG. 68 is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of avertical container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systembetween two shipping containers, one on top of the other, and with ahorizontal container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systembetween two shipping containers, one on the rear end side of the other,with a container-to-connector frame-to-gable roof module connectionsystem above the top shipping container and below a gable roof module toconnect the gable roof module to the upper shipping container, and withdoor, window, and shutter module connector frames systems to beconnected and locked in place on the right side of the lower shippingcontainer;

FIG. 69 is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of avertical container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systembetween two shipping containers, one on top of the other, and with ahorizontal container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systembetween two shipping containers, one on the rear end side of the other,with a container-to-connector frame-to-Polynesian roof module connectionsystem above the top shipping container and below a Polynesian roofmodule to connect the Polynesian roof module to the upper shippingcontainer, and with door, window, and shutter module connector framessystems to be connected and locked in place on the right side of thelower shipping container;

FIG. 70 is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of avertical container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systembetween two shipping containers, one on top of the other, and with ahorizontal container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systembetween two shipping containers, one on the rear end side of the other,with a container-to-connector frame-to-shed roof module connectionsystem above the top shipping container and below a shed roof module toconnect the shed roof module to the upper shipping container, and withdoor, window, and shutter module connector frames systems to beconnected and locked in place on the right side of the lower shippingcontainer; and

FIG. 71 is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of avertical container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systembetween two shipping containers, one on top of the other, and with ahorizontal container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systembetween two shipping containers, one on the rear end side of the other,with a container-to-connector frame-to-curved roof module connectionsystem above the top shipping container and below a curved roof moduleto connect the curved roof module to the upper shipping container, andwith door, window, and shutter module connector frames systems to beconnected and locked in place on the right side of the lower shippingcontainer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, andmethods are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that thedisclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the systems, apparatuses,and methods, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the systems, apparatuses, and methods in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases usedherein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide anunderstandable description of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe systems, apparatuses, and methods that are regarded as novel, it isbelieved that the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be betterunderstood from a consideration of the following description inconjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numeralsare carried forward.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shownby way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural orlogical changes may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore,the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limitingsense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claimsand their equivalents.

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spiritor the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements ofexemplary embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods will notbe described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure therelevant details of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.

Before the systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed anddescribed, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or anyother variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion,such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a listof elements does not include only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” doesnot, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additionalidentical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus thatcomprises the element. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The terms “a”or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term“plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. Theterm “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more.The description may use the terms “embodiment” or “embodiments,” whichmay each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments.

The terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, maybe used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended assynonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected”may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physicalor electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two ormore elements are in direct physical or electrical contact (e.g.,directly coupled). However, “coupled” may also mean that two or moreelements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet stillcooperate or interact with each other (e.g., indirectly coupled).

For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “A/B” or inthe form “A and/or B” or in the form “at least one of A and B” means(A), (B), or (A and B), where A and B are variables indicating aparticular object or attribute. When used, this phrase is intended toand is hereby defined as a choice of A or B or both A and B, which issimilar to the phrase “and/or”. Where more than two variables arepresent in such a phrase, this phrase is hereby defined as includingonly one of the variables, any one of the variables, any combination ofany of the variables, and all of the variables, for example, a phrase inthe form “at least one of A, B, and C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B),(A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).

Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the likemay be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from anotherentity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actualsuch relationship or order between such entities or actions. Thedescription may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down,back/front, top/bottom, and proximal/distal. Such descriptions aremerely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended torestrict the application of disclosed embodiments. Various operationsmay be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a mannerthat may be helpful in understanding embodiments; however, the order ofdescription should not be construed to imply that these operations areorder dependent.

As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to allnumeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These termsgenerally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art wouldconsider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the samefunction or result). In many instances these terms may include numbersthat are rounded to the nearest significant figure. As used herein, theterms “substantial” and “substantially” means, when comparing variousparts to one another that the parts being compared are equal to or areso close enough in dimension that one skill in the art would considerthe same. Substantial and substantially, as used herein, are not limitedto a single dimension and specifically include a range of values forthose parts being compared. The range of values, both above and below(e.g., “+/−” or greater/lesser or larger/smaller), includes a variancethat one skilled in the art would know to be a reasonable tolerance forthe parts mentioned.

Herein various embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods aredescribed. In many of the different embodiments, features are similar.Therefore, to avoid redundancy, repetitive description of these similarfeatures may not be made in some circumstances. It shall be understood,however, that description of a first-appearing feature applies to thelater described similar feature and each respective description,therefore, is to be incorporated therein without such repetition.

Described herein are various configurations for a container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection systems and processes for installation ofthe connection systems. Included in the various connections arehorizontal container-to-container connection systems, verticalcontainer-to-container connection systems, window-to-containerconnection systems, door-to-container connection systems, and shuttersfor doors, sliding and pinned, and shutters for windows, sliding andpinned. Roof modules include, for example, gable roof, curved roof, shedroof, Polynesian roof, and hip roof, on connector frame connectionand/or on-legs connection allowing in-between space for hot water/MIACsystems, and solar panels. Various configurations of a connectioninterlock are described to secure the container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection systems to shipping containers.

Described now are exemplary embodiments. Referring now to the figures ofthe drawings in detail and first, particularly to FIGS. 1 through 8,there is shown a first exemplary embodiment of a modular multi-containerhousing structure 1 employing a container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection 100 comprising multi-container interlocksand/or interlock parts as described in further detail below. In thisexemplary embodiment, FIGS. 4 to 7 show a completely assembledmulti-container housing structure 1 and FIGS. 1 to 3 show a floor planfor the housing structure 1 made from a set of nine (9) shippingcontainers (seven (7) shipping containers 20′ long 10-1 to 10-7, e.g.,each having an outside width of 8′ and a height of 8′6″, and 2inner/in-between shipping containers 10-8 to 10-9). FIG. 1 depicts theground level of the housing structure 1. Here, a set of twelve columns 2are driven into the ground for support of the housing structure 1. Thecolumns are set apart to rest at the lower corners of each of thecontainers 10. The short leg separation distance A can be any width and,in an exemplary embodiment, is 8′. The two smaller containers 10 are inthe middle section of the structure 1 and, therefore, the containerseparation distance B also is 8′. Thus, the width C of the structure 1can be, for example, 24′. The long leg separation distance D can be anywidth and, in an exemplary embodiment, is 20′. Thus, the depth E of thestructure 1 can be, for example, 40′. In this exemplary floor plan, theground level is approximately 1,020 ft² of covered space with storage orparking areas 3 and a stairway 4.

FIG. 2 depicts the first level of the housing structure 1. Here, a firstset of two of the containers 10-1, 10-2 are on the left set of sixcolumns 2 and second set of two others of the containers 10-3, 10-4 areon a right set of six columns 2 to define an interior space therebetweenthat includes an entranceway 5 at the top of the stairway 4 and part ofa living room 6 in container 10-8. The second set of the two containers10-3, 10-4 define, from left to right in FIG. 2, a dining room 7, akitchen 8, a laundry room 9, and an office/breakfast room 11. A firstset of the two containers 10-1, 10-2 define, from right to left in FIG.2, a guest bedroom 12, a guest bathroom 13, a powder room 14, and partof the living room 6 with a bottom portion of a spiral stairway. Assuch, the first level has approximately 719 ft² of enclosedair-conditioned space and 224 ft² of covered enclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts the second level of the housing structure 1. Here, athird set of two of the containers 10-5, 10-6 are secured on top of onthe first set of containers 10 with container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection 100 and another container 10-7 issecured/connected on top of one 10-4 of the second set of containers 10with a vertical container-to-connector frame-to-container connection.The third set of the two containers 10-5, 10-6 define, from left toright in FIG. 3, the upper part of the spiral stairway, a master closet15, a dressing room 16, a master bath 17, and a master bedroom 18.In-between the sets of containers there is a defined exteriorterrace/balcony space 22. The last container 10-7 defines, in FIG. 3, aguest room 19 with a closet 20 and guest bathroom 21. The last container10-7 is also secured and connected to a middle container 10-9 with ahorizontal container-to-connector frame-to-container connection. Themiddle container 10-9 is secured on top of the first middle container10-8 with vertical container-to-connector frame-to-container connection.The middle container 10-9 is also secured and connected between thecontainer 10-6 of the third set of two of the containers 10 and a lastcontainer 10-7 with horizontal container-to-connector frame-to-containerconnection on both adjacent sides. The middle container 10-9 defines thespace for the den 23. As such, the second level has approximately 569ft² of enclosed air-conditioned space and 224 ft² of covered enclosure.

The exploded view of FIG. 8 illustrates the additional components thatare added to the containers 10 to form the complete housing structure 1.Exterior wall façades or sidings 30, 32, 34 are shaped to fit theexterior walls of the containers to which they are respectively attachedand each define openings at respective locations for exterior windowsand doors. Attached to the opening in the façades or sidings 30, 32, 34are window casements 40 that can provide the entire window assemblyincluding exterior components or that can provide only the exteriorcomponents, the window being installed separately in the respectiveopenings defined by the containers 10. Roof segments or modules 50 areplaced on top of each container 10 where desired. Additionally, betweenadjacent containers 10-6, 10-7, for example, there is a middle container10-9 and a flat roof or overhang 52 is present to provide shade or awatertight ceiling for a room between containers 10. In this exemplaryembodiment, the middle container 10-9 and a roof segment/module createthe enclosure of the den 23.

In an exemplary process for creating a horizontal container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection 100, reference is made to FIGS. 9 to 15. Acontainer-to-connector frame-to-container connection 100 comprises avertical connector frame 110 having two vertical struts (a left strut122 and a right strut 120), two horizontal struts (an upper strut 130and a lower strut 132), and four corner interlock assemblies 140, thelatter of which will be explained in greater detail below. In a firstexemplary embodiment of the container-to-connector frame-to-containerconnection 100, the four struts 120, 122, 130, 132 and the cornerinterlock assemblies 140 are connected together in an assembled,vertical connector frame 110, as shown in FIG. 9. The vertical connectorframe 110 is, in one movement, placed against an end/side of thecontainer 10 (in the case of FIG. 9, an open end) and the cornerinterlock assemblies 140 of the four corners of the vertical connectorframe 110 are locked respectively to each corner fitting 60 of thecontainer 10. To ensure a water-tight seal between the verticalconnector frame 110 and edges of the container 10, a seal 160 is placedtherebetween (shown with dashed lines). In an exemplary embodiment, theseal 160 is a continuous circuit having a shape corresponding to theshape of the connector frame 110 and the edges of the container 10.Thus, the seal 160 in FIG. 9, is substantially square/rectangular inshape (it is rectangular if a longitudinal length of the horizontalstruts 130, 132 is different from the longitudinal length of thevertical struts 120, 122).

In an alternative configuration, four pieces of the connector frame 110are attached one at a time to respective edges of the container 10. Thisconfiguration is depicted in the progression of FIGS. 10 to 13. In FIG.10, the right vertical strut 120 is connected to the right edge of thecontainer 10 with corner interlock assembly 140 at the lower rightcorner. A right side of the circumferential seal 160 is placedtherebetween (the seal 160 is shown in a partially collapsedconfiguration in FIG. 10). The seal can be a rectangle/square that isthe same shape as the container 10 end/side and, therefore, as theremaining three struts 122, 130, 132 are connected to the corners 60 ofthe shipping container 10 (with respective corner interlock assemblies140), the seal 160 is allowed to rest between each strut and theadjacent edge of the shipping container 10. An exemplary material of theseal 160 is rubber. The first removable connection occurs by actuatingthe corner interlock assembly 140, for example, with an actuator of ahandheld power tool, such as a bit of a cordless drill. Rotation of alock in the corner interlock assembly 140 secures the corner interlockassembly 140 to a first of the four end corner fittings 60 of thecontainer 10. A second part, the upper horizontal strut 130 and anotherof the corner interlock assemblies 140 (upper right and upper left) areconnected in a similar way, as shown in FIG. 11. Both upper connerfittings are connected to the two upper corner interlock assembly 140connections of the upper horizontal strut 130 (part of the verticalconnector frame) as shown on FIG. 11. Also, the connector frame strutsconnect or interlock with one another. In this case, the upperhorizontal strut 130 connects to both upper corner fittings of thecontainer and also locks into place with the right vertical strut on theupper right corner interlock assembly 140 connections. FIG. 11 alsoshows placement of the water-proofing sealant/rubber seal 160 thatprotects and prevents the container-to-connector frame-to-containerconnections from water/moisture infiltration. Continuing the process,shown in FIG. 12, a third part of the connector frame 110, the leftvertical strut 122, is connected to the container 10 lower left cornerfitting and to the second part, upper horizontal strut, through thecorner interlock assemblies 140 (left vertical strut's upper and lowerinterlock assemblies. It is noted that the left vertical strut has twointerlocks (placed on the upper and lower locations of the strut). Oneof these interlock assemblies connects to the upper horizontal strut andthe other interlock assembly connects to the lower left corner fittingof a first shipping container. With the seal 160 now between the first,second, and third parts of the vertical connector frame 110, the lowerextent of the seal 160 is the only one visible in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12,interlocks 150 at the upper right, the lower right, and the lower leftare illustrated. These interlocks 150 are used to connect the verticalconnector frame 110 to a second container (not illustrated) to theopposite side of the vertical connector frame 110 so that the secondcontainer can be secured to the first container 10. Finally, as shown inFIG. 13, the fourth part of the vertical connector frame 110, the lowerhorizontal strut 132, along with the corner interlock assemblies 140(lower left and lower right), is connected, with the last part of thecircumferential seal 160 between all four of the parts of the verticalconnector frame 110.

Once the connector frame 10 is completely attached to a first shippingcontainer 10, it is then ready to secure (e.g., in a water-tight mannerwith a second seal 160) to a second shipping container at a side of theconnector frame 10 opposite the adjacent shipping container 10. Withlocking of the interlocks 150 of the connector frame 10 to the secondshipping container using a second seal 160, a water-tightly sealedconnection between the two containers is established.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show, with hidden lines, the container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection 100 of FIG. 13 in steps after connectionof the complete connector frame to the first shipping container's 10corner fittings 60 and, in addition to, before and after connection ofthe connector frame 110 to corner fittings 60 of an adjacent shippingcontainer 10 (shown in dashed lines). FIG. 14 shows the second containerspaced away from the vertical connector frame 110 and FIG. 15 shows thecorner fittings 60 of the second container 10 attached to the verticalconnector frame 110. Placement of a water-proofing seal 160 on eachconnecting surface of the connector frame 110 to a container 10 protectsand prevents the container-to-connector frame-to-container connection 10from water/moisture infiltration.

The interlocks 150 of the corner interlock assemblies 140 allow the fourstruts 120, 122, 130, 132 to come together, interlocking with oneanother as a single system, referred to herein as the connector frame110, while also allowing the connector frame 110 to interlock with theshipping container's corner fittings 60.

FIG. 16 shows one vertical connector frame 110 and one horizontalconnector frame 111. The horizontal connector frame 111 is configured toconnect a first container 10-8 to a second container 10-9 vertically, inthis exemplary embodiment, the second container 10-9 is connected abovethe first container 10-8. In FIG. 17, there are three vertical connectorframes 110, the one to the left in the figure being connected to a firstopen end of the container 10. Thus, the container 10 can be connectedend-to-end to two different containers (not illustrated) at each of thecontainer's 10 ends and to another different container (not illustrated)at one side of the container 10. In a desirable configuration, a sealant(such as caulking) or a seal 160 is disposed between each connectingsurface.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, by actuating the interlocks 150 of thehorizontal connector frame 111, the second container 10-9 is tightenedinto place above the first container 10-8, thereby merging andinterlocking the two shipping containers 10-8, 10-9 to one another. Inan exemplary embodiment, additional caulking or sealant or a seal 160can be applied around all of the edges to water-tightly seal allconnections and protect the same from water/moisture infiltration.

FIGS. 19 to 21 illustrate a first exemplary configuration of aninterlock 150 of the corner interlock assembly 140. In this exemplaryembodiment, the interlock 150 is a securing tab twistlock. The interlock150 has a shaft 152 that is shaped to extend into a corner fitting 60 ofa container 10. This interlock 150 has two parts at the distal end ofthe shaft 152. A first fixed lock part 154 is fixed to the shaft 152 anda conically shaped second lock part 156 is moveable and/or rotatablewith respect to the shaft 152. The first and second lock parts 154, 156have an exterior circumferential shape corresponding to an orifice 62that exists at the corner fitting 60 of a container 10. These orifices62 are standardized for the containers 10. Thus, when the two parts 154,156 are aligned, they can extend into the orifice 62. However, when therotatable second lock part 156 is moved out of alignment with respect tothe first fixed part 154, the exterior shape of the two parts 154, 156is expanded to prevent movement of the parts 154, 156 out from or intothe orifice 62. Of course, the fixed and rotating/movable connection tothe shaft 152 can be reversed on the first and second lock parts 154,156 as desired. The exemplary embodiment of the first and second lockparts of FIGS. 21 to 23 illustrates this configuration. In FIG. 21, thefirst and second lock parts 154, 156 are orthogonal or at an angle toone another. In this orientation, the exterior projection of thecircumference or periphery of the parts 154, 156 is larger than when thetwo parts 154, 156 are aligned. By rotating the second lock part 156with respect to the first lock part 154 (see FIG. 22), the parts 154,156 can provide a lock having an unlocked state (not illustrated) and alocked state, which is illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 21.

An exemplary configuration of an interlocking mechanism 170 thatcontrols the interlocks 150 on opposite sides of the corner interlockassembly 140 is shown in FIG. 21. The shaft 152 and the two lock parts154, 156 are on opposing sides of the corner interlock assembly 140; abody 141 of the corner interlock assembly 140 is illustrateddiagrammatically with dashed lines. The interlocking mechanism 170includes an interlock driveshaft 172, a gearbox 174 with ring and gears176, and a lock control shaft (worm drive) 178—the worm drive 178 andthe shaft 152 form a worm-rack drive. In the exemplary embodiment, theinterlock driveshaft 172 is shaped to fit a standard, handheld powertool 101, such as a drill. Rotation of the interlock driveshaft 172rotates the gears 176 of the gearbox 174, thereby rotating the opposinglock control shafts 178. With rotation of the lock control shafts 178and opposite horizontal movements of the shafts 152, for example, in theform of a worm rack, the rotatable second lock part 156 can be moved outof alignment after the parts 154, 156 are inserted into the orifices 62of the corner fitting 60 to lock the parts 154, 156 within the cornerfitting 60, thereby removably fastening a portion of the connector frame110, 111 to a container 10.

Another exemplary configuration of an interlock mechanism 270 thatcontrols a further exemplary embodiment of a lock part or twist lock 254of a corner interlock assembly 140 is illustrated in FIG. 22. Theinterlocks 250 are on opposite sides of the corner interlock assembly140 and are configured to lock two opposing containers 10-10, 10-11(indicated with dashed lines) to one another at the adjacent pair ofcorner fittings 60-10, 60-11. In the exemplary embodiments describedherein, the lock parts 254 are on opposing sides. Thus, a respectivepair of a shaft 252 and a lock part 254 are on opposing sides of thecorner interlock assembly 140. Alternatively or additionally in any ofthe herein-mentioned embodiments, the lock parts 254 can be at angles toone another, for example, there can be two lock parts at 90-degrees fromone another, three lock parts at 0, 90, and 180-degrees about the cornerinterlock assembly 140, and four lock parts at 0, 90, 180, and270-degrees on each of four sides of the corner interlock assembly 140,and so on. The body 141 of the corner interlock assembly 140 surroundsan interlock driveshaft 272 and a gearbox 274 with rings, pinions, andgears 276. As compared to the configuration of FIG. 21, there is no lockcontrol shaft 178 because the rings, pinions, and gears 276 directlyinteract with the shaft (rack) 252 in a pinion gear rack drive way. Inthis embodiment, the interlock driveshaft 272 is shaped to fit thestandard power tool 101, such as a drill. Rotation of the interlockdriveshaft 272 rotates the gears 276 of the gearbox 274, thereby movingthe opposing shafts 252. The lock part 254 here has an outer screw shapeor securing tab/twist-lock cone shape with helical spiral fins thatincreases in diameter and is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 24 to 28,for example. Thus, with movement of the shafts 252, each lock part 254not only extends towards or away from the orifices 62 of the cornerfitting 60, they also screw into and through the orifices 62 such that,when the trailing edge of each lock part 254 passes the distal perimeterof each respective orifice 62, a further rotation places that trailingedge on the interior wall adjacent the respective orifice 62, which isshown in FIGS. 22, 23, 24, 25, and 28. This rotated orientationeffectively locks the corner fitting 60-10, 60-11 to the cornerinterlock assembly 140, thereby preventing movement of the twocontainers 10-10, 10-11 with respect to the corner interlock assembly140. Also shown in FIG. 22 is a seal 160 disposed between each container10-10, 10-11 and the corner interlock assembly 140. This seal 160 ismade of a material that allows the sandwich joint to be water-tight.

Another exemplary configuration of an interlock mechanism 370 thatcontrols the lock part 354 of a corner interlock assembly 140 isillustrated in FIG. 23. In the exemplary embodiment, the interlocks 350are on opposite sides of the corner interlock assembly 140 and areconfigured to lock two opposing containers 10-12, 10-13 (indicated withdashed lines) to one another at the adjacent pair of corner fittings60-12, 60-13. Thus, a respective pair of the shaft 352 and the lock part354 are on opposing sides of the corner interlock assembly 140. The body141 of the corner interlock assembly 140 surrounds an interlockdriveshaft 372, a gearbox 374 with rings and gears 376, and lock controlshafts 378. The interlock driveshaft 372 is shaped to fit the standardpower tool 101, such as a drill. In this embodiment, rotation of theinterlock driveshaft 372 rotates the gears 376 of the gearbox 374,thereby rotating the opposing lock control shafts 378. With rotation ofthe lock control shafts 378, for example, in the form of a worm rack,the lock control shaft 378 is rotated to move the shaft 352 into and outfrom each respective orifice 62. The lock part 354 has an outer screwshape or securing tab/twist-lock cone shape with helical spiral finsthat increases in diameter and is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 24 to28, for example. Thus, with rotation of the lock control shafts 378,each lock part 354 moves into and through the orifices 62 such that,when the trailing edge of each lock part 354 passes the distal perimeterof each respective orifice 62, rotation of the lock part 354 places thattrailing edge on the interior wall adjacent the respective orifice 62,as shown in FIGS. 23, 24, 25, and 28. This rotated orientationeffectively locks the corner fitting 60-12, 60-13 to the cornerinterlock assembly 140, thereby preventing movement of the twocontainers 10-12, 10-13 with respect to the corner interlock assembly140. Also shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 is a seal 160 disposed between eachcontainer 10-12, 10-13 and the corner interlock assembly 140. This seal160 is made of a material that allows the sandwich joint to bewater-tight.

As indicated above, in both versions, FIGS. 23 and 22, the shafts352/252 have the same rack configurations; however, in these two figuresthe gearbox mechanism is different—in FIG. 23 a lock control shaft/worm378 is included, while in FIG. 22 it does not. A worm-rack drive such asthe configuration shown in FIGS. 21 and 23 only can extend the shaft152, 352 into and out from the orifice 62. To rotate the lock part254/354 or one of the lock parts 154, 156, another control is provided.More specifically, the lock part 254/354 is fixed to a rotatable rod356, which is housed inside the lumen of the hollow shaft 352. In oneexemplary configuration, the rod 356 is spring loaded with a bias device358 to allow it to spring outwards (and through the orifice 62) and,with an appropriate cam and follower that is not illustrated, can rotate90 degrees to place the locking surfaces against the inner adjacent wallof the corner fitting 60. It is this rotated orientation that locks thecorner fitting 60 to the corner interlock assembly 140.

Another exemplary configuration of an interlock mechanism 470 thatcontrols the lock part of a corner interlock assembly 140 is illustratedin FIG. 29. The interlock mechanisms herein fit within the corners ofthe connector frame. In the exemplary embodiment, the non-illustratedinterlocks are on opposite sides of the corner interlock assembly 140and are configured to lock two opposing containers to one another at theadjacent pair of corner fittings. Thus, a respective pair of the shaft452 and the lock part are on opposing sides of the corner interlockassembly 140. The corner interlock assembly 140 surrounds an interlockdriveshaft 472 and gears 476. The interlock driveshaft 472 is shaped tofit the standard power tool 101, such as a drill. In this embodiment,rotation of the interlock driveshaft 472 rotates the gears 476, therebymoving the opposing shafts 452 in the form of a rack and pinion. Withrotation of the gears 476, the shafts 452 move into and out from eachrespective orifice 62.

Another exemplary configuration of an interlock mechanism 570 thatcontrols the lock part of a corner interlock assembly 140 is illustratedin FIG. 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the non-illustrated interlocksare on opposite sides of the corner interlock assembly 140 and areconfigured to lock two opposing containers to one another at theadjacent pair of corner fittings. Thus, a respective pair of the shaft552 and the lock part are on opposing sides of the corner interlockassembly 140. The corner interlock assembly 140 surrounds an interlockdriveshaft 572 and gears 576. The interlock driveshaft 572 is shaped tofit the standard power tool 101, such as a drill. In this embodiment,rotation of the interlock driveshaft 572 rotates the gears 576, therebymoving and/or rotating the opposing lock control shafts 578 and movingthe shafts 552 in the form of a worm rack drive. With rotation of thegears 576, the shafts 552 move into and out from each respective orifice62.

FIG. 31 illustrates an exemplary configuration of another exemplaryembodiment of a corner interlock assembly 140 with an interlock 650. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the interlock 650 is a pivoting cam lock. Theinterlock 650 has a rotating driveshaft 652 that is shaped to extendinto and retract out from the body 141 of the corner interlock assembly140 when rotated, such as a bolt with a thread, herein, any of the gearsor thread(s) can be referred to as a lock rotation portion or a lockextension portion. The driveshaft 652 is fixed with respect to the body141 of the corner interlock assembly 140 but rotatable about itslongitudinal axis to move along that axis. A proximal end of thedriveshaft 652 has a tool connector shaped to fit a standard power tool101, such as a drill. This connector can be a Philips or flat headinternal connector or the connector can be an external nut connectorhaving a polygonal shape, such as a hexagon, a star, or a square to namea few. The interlock 650 has a first cam part 653 operatively connectedto the distal end of the driveshaft 652 and a second cam part 656 thatis fixed with respect to the body 141 of the corner interlock assembly140. Pivotally connected to the body 141 are a pair of opposing lockparts 654, having a shape that is a mirror image of one another anddisposed on opposing sides of the first and second cam parts 653, 656.The lock parts 654 each pivot about pivot axes that are fixed withrespect to the body 141 of the corner interlock assembly 140 and eachlock part 654 extends orthogonally with respect to the longitudinalextent of the driveshaft 652 to position a lock hook 657 at the distalend of the lock part 654 into respective opposing orifices 62 of thecorner fitting 60 of adjacent containers 10. When the driveshaft 652 isrotated in an inward direction, the distal end of the driveshaft 652moves the first cam part 653 against cam surfaces 655 of the lock parts654 to pivot each of the lock parts 654 about their rotation axis guidedand supported by surfaces of the second cam part 656. In a retractedposition of the driveshaft 652, the lock hook 657 is within the orifice62 but does not bend out of the opposing sides of the orifice 62. In anextended position of the driveshaft 652, which is shown in FIG. 31, thelock hook 657 is not only extended within the orifice 62 but is in arotated position to place a hook surface of the lock hooks 657 against anear wall of the corner fitting 60 adjacent orifice 62. In this lockedorientation, the two opposing lock hooks 657 removably secure the cornerinterlock assembly 140 to the corner fittings 60 to prevent movement ofthe containers 10 with respect to the connector frame 110, 111, of whichthe corner fitting 60 is a part.

FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate an exemplary configuration of anotherexemplary embodiment of a corner interlock assembly 140 with aninterlock 750. In this exemplary embodiment, the interlock 750 is apivoting cam lock. The interlock 750 has a rotating driveshaft 752 thatis shaped to extend into and retract out from the body 141 of the cornerinterlock assembly 140 when rotated, such as a bolt with a thread. Thedriveshaft 752 is fixed with respect to the body 141 of the cornerinterlock assembly 140 (not illustrated) but is rotatable about itslongitudinal axis to move along that axis. A proximal end of thedriveshaft 752 has a tool connector shaped to fit a standard power tool101, such as a drill. This connector can be a Philips or flat headinternal connector or the connector can be an external nut connectorhaving a polygonal shape, such as a hexagon, a star, or a square to namea few. The interlock 750 has a pivot bearing 753 operatively connectedto the distal end of the driveshaft 752. The pivot bearing 753 ispivotally connected to proximal ends of two force struts 756. Pivotallyconnected to the body 141 are a pair of opposing lock parts 754, havinga shape that is a mirror image of one another. The lock parts 754 eachpivot about the pivot points, which are fixed with respect to the body141 of the corner interlock assembly 140, and each lock part 754 extendsorthogonally with respect to the longitudinal extent of the driveshaft752 to position a lock hook 757 at the distal end of the lock part 754into respective opposing orifices 62 of the corner fitting 60 ofadjacent containers 10. When the driveshaft 752 is rotated in an inwarddirection, the distal end of the driveshaft 752 moves the pivot bearing753 inwards with respect to the body 141. Thus, the force struts 756 aremoved inwards, thereby rotating each of the lock parts 754 about theirrotation axis. In a retracted position of the driveshaft 752 shown inFIG. 33, the lock hook 757 is within the orifice 62 but does not extendpast planes defined by the opposing sides of the orifice 62. In anextended position of the driveshaft 752, with the driveshaft 752 movedinwards into the body 141, the lock parts 754 rotate to start placinginner surfaces of the lock hook 757 against an inner surface of thecorner fitting 60, in an intermediate position. With further rotation ofthe driveshaft 752, the force struts 756 are moved further into the body141 to pivot the lock parts 754 further against the inner wall of thecorner fitting 60 into a locked orientation, shown in FIG. 32. In thelocked orientation, the two opposing lock hooks 757 removably secure thecorner interlock assembly 140 to the corner fittings 60 to preventmovement of the containers 10 with respect to the connector frame 110,111, of which the corner fitting 60 is a part.

FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate an exemplary configuration of anotherexemplary embodiment of a corner interlock assembly 140 with aninterlock 850. In this exemplary embodiment, the interlock 850 is apivoting cam lock. The interlock 850 has a rotating driveshaft 852 thatis shaped to extend into and retract out from the body 141 of the cornerinterlock assembly 140 when rotated, such as a bolt with a thread. Thedriveshaft 852 is fixed with respect to the body 141 of the cornerinterlock assembly 140 with a frame 851 and is rotatable about itslongitudinal axis to move along that axis. A proximal end of thedriveshaft 852 has a tool connector shaped to fit a standard power tool101, such as a drill. This connector can be a Philips or flat headinternal connector or the connector can be an external nut connectorhaving a polygonal shape, such as a hexagon, a star, or a square to namea few. The interlock 850 has a pivot bearing 853 operatively connectedto the distal end of the driveshaft 852. The pivot bearing 853 ispivotally connected to proximal ends of two force struts 856. Pivotallyconnected to the body 141 are a pair of opposing lock parts 854, havinga shape that is a mirror image of one another. The lock parts 854 eachpivot about the pivot points, which are movable with respect to the body141 of the corner interlock assembly 140, as is shown in the transitionfrom FIG. 34 to FIG. 35. Each lock part 854 extends at an angle withrespect to the longitudinal extent of the driveshaft 852 to position alock hook 857 at the distal end of the lock part 854 into respectiveopposing orifices 62 of the corner fitting 60 of adjacent containers 10.When the driveshaft 852 is rotated in an inward direction, as shown inFIG. 34, the distal end of the driveshaft 852 moves the pivot bearing853 with respect to the body 141 to, thereby, translate the pivot axesof the lock parts 854 towards the frame 851. With this movement of theforce struts 856, each of the lock parts 854 rotate about their rotationaxis. In a retracted or unlocked position of the driveshaft 852 shown inFIG. 35, the lock hook 857 is within the orifice 62 but does not extendpast planes defined by the opposing sides of the orifice 62 (see dashedlines). In a threaded-in position of the driveshaft 852, shown in FIG.34, the lock parts 854 are translated distally and are rotated to placeinner surfaces of the lock hook 857 against an inner surface of thecorner fitting 60 into a locked orientation. In the locked orientation,the two opposing lock hooks 857 removably secure the corner interlockassembly 140 to the corner fittings 60 to prevent movement of thecontainers 10 with respect to the connector frame 110, 111, of which thecorner fitting 60 is a part.

FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary configuration of another exemplaryembodiment of a corner interlock assembly 140 with an interlock 950. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the interlock 950 is a worm screw and wheel.The interlock 950 has a rotating driveshaft 952, in the form of a wormscrew, which that extends into the body 141 of the corner interlockassembly 140. The driveshaft 952 is fixed in place with respect to thebody 141 of the corner interlock assembly 140 but is rotatable about itslongitudinal axis. A proximal end of the driveshaft 952 has a toolconnector shaped to fit a standard power tool 101, such as a drill. Thisconnector can be a Philips or flat head internal connector or theconnector can be an external nut connector having a polygonal shape,such as a hexagon, a star, or a square to name a few. A distal portionof the driveshaft 952 contains threads 953, in particular, worm threadsthat are operatively connected to corresponding worm threads 955 at aproximal end of each of a pair of opposing lock parts 954. The lockparts 954 are fixed with respect to the body 141 of the corner interlockassembly 140 at a pivot point 956 and are configured to pivot about thepivot point 956. The opposing lock parts 954 have shapes that are mirrorimages of one another. Each lock part 954 extends orthogonally withrespect to a longitudinal extent of the driveshaft 952 to position alock hook 957, at the distal end of each lock part 954, into respectiveopposing orifices 62 of the corner fitting 60 of adjacent containers 10.When the driveshaft 952 is rotated in a locking direction, the wormthreads 953 of the driveshaft 952 rotate the lock parts 954 about thepivot point 956 with respect to the body 141 to, thereby, move the lockhook 957 of each lock part from within the orifice 62 to a side of theorifice 62 against a near inner wall of the corner fitting 60 into alocked position shown in FIG. 36. In the locked orientation, the twoopposing lock hooks 957 removably secure the corner interlock assembly140 to the corner fittings 60 to prevent movement of the containers 10with respect to the connector frame 110, 111, of which the cornerfitting 60 is a part. In a retracted or unlocked position of thedriveshaft 952, the lock hook 957 is within the orifice 62 but does notextend past planes defined by the opposing sides of the orifice 62 (seedashed lines).

FIGS. 37 and 38 show an alternative to the configuration of the cornerinterlock assembly 140 with the worm screw and wheel embodiment of FIG.36. These figures depict one half of the corner interlock assembly 140′showing a modular interlock part 1050 forming half of an interlock. Aswill be described in further detail below, the other half of theinterlock is a modular interlock part 1050 that is a mirror image of theone shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 and places the lock part 1054 at a positionthat is a mirror image to the one shown to secure to corner fittings 60of containers 10 (other possible configurations of the corner interlockassembly 140 include, e.g., positions that are not opposite butorthogonal, such as at 90° and 270°). FIG. 41, for example, illustratestwo complete corner interlock assemblies 140 (one upper and one lower)that each have two of the modular interlock parts 1050 and, together,connect one side of a first container 10-14 to another side of a secondcontainer 10-15. These four halves/two sets comprise one half of thefour corners of a connector frame 110.

The modular interlock part 1050 comprises a driveshaft 1052 with threads1053 in the form of a worm screw and the lock part 1054 with threads1055 in the form of a worm wheel. The hex-shaped connector 1051 of thedriveshaft 1052 is shaped to fit to a standard power tool 101, such as adrill. The driveshaft 1052 is fixed in place with respect to the body141 with a washer and nut assembly 1058 but is rotatable about itslongitudinal axis. The distal worm screw threads 1053 operativelyconnect to corresponding worm threads 1055 at the proximal end of thelock part 1054. The lock part 1054 is also fixed with respect to thebody 141 at a pivot point or boss 1056 and, therefore, can pivot aboutthe pivot point 1056. The lock part 1054 extends orthogonally withrespect to the longitudinal extent of the driveshaft 1052 to position alock hook 1057 through an opposing orifice 62 of a corner fitting 60 ofan adjacent container 10 (not illustrated in FIGS. 37 and 38). When thedriveshaft 1052 is rotated in a locking direction, the worm threads 1053of the driveshaft 1052 rotate the lock part 1054 about the pivot point1056 to move the lock hook 1057 from an unlocked position shown in FIG.38 to a side of the orifice 62 against a near inner wall of the cornerfitting 60 into a locked position, which is shown in FIG. 37. When inthe locked position or orientation, the lock hook 1057 removably securesthe corner interlock assembly 140 to the corner fittings 60 to preventmovement of a container 10 with respect to a connector frame 110, 111,of which the corner fitting 60 is a part. As can be seen in FIG. 41, thefour lock hooks 1057 of the four modular interlock parts 1050 are in thelocked state. The modular interlock part 1050 has a worm wheel/gear lockpart 1054 with and ability to rotate or pivot from a 0° angle in anunlocked state to an approximately ±45° angle in a locked state (or135°/225° angles depending where the interlocking mechanism is placed asshown in FIG. 41).

FIG. 42 is an enlarged portion of the upper center of FIG. 41. Here,there is shown two adjacent containers 10-14, 10-15 with respectivecorner fittings 60-14, 60-15. A portion of a vertical connector frame110 that connects the two opposing containers 10-14, 10-15 together isdepicted. Two of the modular interlock parts 1050 having the lock parts1054 in mirror opposition are disposed between the two corner fittings60-14, 60-15. These lock parts 1054 extend into respective orifices 62of the corner fittings 60-14, 60-15 and the lock parts 1054 are in alocked state where the two lock hooks 1057 are rotated out to the sideof the orifices 62 to place the ends of the lock hooks 1057 onrespective inner walls of the corner fittings 60-14, 60-15. Also shownin FIG. 42 is a sealant flange channel 1060, which can, in an exemplaryembodiment, have an exterior metal wall and an interior seal 1062 thatis made of, for example, rubber or foam insulation. In this exemplaryembodiment, the flange channel 1060 is removably secured to the side ofthe vertical connector frame 110. The sealant flange channel 1060 islocked in place on the sides of the containers and the connector frameafter the connector frame has been locked, in order to provide awater-tight seal connection between the two adjacent containers (cornerfittings and the vertical edges of the two adjacent containers) withrespect to the connector frame, as shown in FIG. 43.

The cap inserts 1066 have a perimeter shape corresponding to a shape ofside orifices 64 of the corner fittings 60-14, 60-15. In such aconfiguration, when the flange channel 1060 is moved against theside/top side of the connector frame 110 and the side/top side edges ofthe facing containers 10-14, 10-15, the cap inserts 1066 removablysecure the corner fitting's orifices 64, and can be made of a materialthat is water-tight, providing a water-tight connection and insulationagainst liquid penetration to the interior of the corner fittings 60-14,60-15. This deformable insert cap 1066, made of rubber, for example, isfirst moved against the container corner fitting and press-fits againstinto the orifice of it in order to water-tightly seal the orifice. Laterthe sealant metal flange channel is moved and locked into place. In oneexemplary embodiment, the cap 1066 is slightly larger than the orifice64 and press-fits into the orifice 64 to water-tightly seal the orifice64 from above. In another exemplary embodiment, a separate hollow femaleinsert 1068 is fixed (removably or permanently) into the orifice 64 andthe cap 1066 has a shape corresponding to the female hollow and fitsinto the hollow to water-tightly seal the orifice 64.

FIG. 42 also shows the various components of the modular interlock part1050, such as the lock part 1054 as a worm wheel, which acts as a gearlocking element pivoting in an unlocked or locked position depending onthe worm screw of the driveshaft 1052 applying torque with use of apower tool 101. Also, the washer and nut assembly 1058 includes a wedgelock washer in the locking mechanism to use tension over friction andsecure the bolt/screw that might be susceptible and inclined toloosening due to heavy loads or extreme vibrations from winds up to 300mph. In addition, the connector 1051 as a reverse thread/inner hex screwis used to attach the sealant flange channel, preferably of metal, andto secure and tighten the overall container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection.

FIG. 43 shows an alternative configuration and view of the parts inFIGS. 41 and 42. Here, in the exploded view, the sealant flange channel1060 is to be attached to the right vertical strut 120 of the verticalconnector frame 110. The interior seal 1062 of the sealant flangechannel 1060 is separated from the sealant flange channel 1060, and bothparts are separated from the right vertical strut 120 of the connectorframe 110. The connector frame 110 is secured to the first container10-15 and is to be connected to the corner fittings 60 of the secondshipping container 10-14, both containers 10-14, 10-15 shown in dashedlines.

In this exemplary process for creating a horizontalcontainer-to-connector frame-to-container connection in FIGS. 41 to 44,the vertical connector frame 110 is connected to the corner fittings 60of the shipping containers 10-14, 10-15 without a seal 160 placedbetween the connector frame 110 and the containers 10-14, 10-15.Instead, the fluid-tight seal is provided by the sealing assemblycomprising the sealant flange channel 1060 and the interior seal 1062and their associated parts. The connection of the interior seal 1062between the sealant flange channel 1060 and the right vertical strut 120and the two opposing corners of the containers 10-14, 10-15 protects andprevents the shipping container-to-connector frame-to-shipping containerconnection from water/moisture infiltration at that junction. Withlocking of the interlock mechanisms of the connector frame to the secondshipping container, a sealed connection between the two containers(vertical or horizontal or lateral) is established. Further water-tightsealing is provided by another set of the sealant flange channel 1060and the interior seal 1062 at the upper horizontal strut 130 and/or theleft vertical strut 122 and/or the lower horizontal strut 132. Anenlarged view of the water-tight connection between the sealant flangechannel 1060 and the interior seal 1062 and the right vertical strut 120is shown in FIG. 44. In this view, the lock part 1054 to the container10-14 is in the unlocked position or state. In contrast, in the shippingcontainer-to-connector frame-to-shipping container connection of FIGS.45 and 46, the lock part 1054 to the container 10-14 is in the lockedposition or state; the vertical connector frame 110 is locked to bothcontainers 10-14, 10-15.

FIG. 47 shows an exemplary embodiment of how three of the modularinterlock parts 1050-1, 1050-2, 1050-3 can be used to connect two of thestruts 120, 122, 130, 132 together and how to one of those struts 130,132 is connected to two corner fittings 60 of containers 10. In thisembodiment, a vertical strut 120, 122 houses one of the modularinterlock parts 1050-1 at a bottom end thereof. Once the modularinterlock part 1050-1 is in place therein (as shown to the left in FIG.47), the lock part 1054-1 is used to secure the vertical strut 120, 122to the horizontal strut 130, 132 through an orifice 124, as shown inFIG. 49. Two of the modular interlock parts 1050-2, 1050-3 are insertedinto the end of the horizontal strut 130, 132. Once these two modularinterlock parts 1050-2, 1050-3 are secured therein (as shown above inFIG. 47), the two opposing lock parts 1054-2, 1054-3 are pivoted intothe respective orifices 62 of two opposing corner fittings 60 of thecontainers 10, thereby locking the connector frame 110 to the containers10. FIG. 48 illustrates the parts of the modular interlock part 1050-2separated in an exploded view.

FIGS. 50 and 51 show another alternative to the configuration of thecorner interlock assembly 140 with the worm screw and wheel embodimentof FIG. 36. These figures depict one half of the corner interlockassembly 140′ showing a modular interlock part 1250 forming half of aninterlock. As will be described in further detail below, the other halfof the interlock is a modular interlock part 1250 that is a mirror imageof the one shown in FIGS. 50 and 51 and places the lock part 1254 at aposition that is a mirror image to the one shown to secure to cornerfittings 60 of containers 10 (other possible configurations of thecorner interlock assembly 140 include, e.g., positions that are notopposite but orthogonal, such as at 90° and 270°). The modular interlockpart 1250 comprises a driveshaft 1252 with threads 1253 in the form of aworm screw and the lock part 1254 with threads 1255 in the form of aworm wheel. The hex-shaped connector 1251 of the driveshaft 1252 isshaped to fit to a standard power tool 101, such as a drill. Thedriveshaft 1252 is fixed in place with respect to the body 141 with awasher and nut assembly 1258 but is rotatable about its longitudinalaxis. The distal worm screw threads 1253 operatively connect tocorresponding worm threads 1255 at the proximal end of the lock part1254. The lock part 1254 is also fixed with respect to the body 141 at apivot point 1256 and, therefore, can pivot about the pivot point 1256.The lock part 1254 extends orthogonally with respect to the longitudinalextent of the driveshaft 1252 to position a lock hook 1257 through anopposing orifice 62 of a corner fitting 60 of an adjacent container 10(not illustrated in FIGS. 50 and 51). When the driveshaft 1252 isrotated in a locking direction, the worm threads 1253 of the driveshaft1252 rotate the lock part 1254 about the pivot point 1256 to move thelock hook 1257 from an unlocked position shown in FIG. 51 to a side ofthe orifice 62 against a near inner wall of the corner fitting 60 into alocked position, which is shown in FIG. 50. When in the locked positionor orientation, the lock hook 1257 removably secures the cornerinterlock assembly 140 to the corner fittings 60 to prevent movement ofa container 10 with respect to a connector frame 110, 111 of which thecorner fitting 60 is a part. As compared to the modular interlock part1050, the modular interlock part 1250 has the ability to rotate or pivotfrom a perpendicular, 90° angle in an unlocked state to an approximately−45° angle in a locked state. Because this modular interlock part 1250has more flexibility on pivoting points and angles, the size of theinterlock's body 141 is modified and enlarged in accordance with thelength of the worm screw driveshaft 1252 that allows the worm wheel 1255of the lock part 1254 to rotate/pivot when applying torque.

As explained herein with regard to FIG. 8, the inventive embodiments ofthe connector frame and the embodiments of the interlock are applicablenot only to securing containers 10 to one another in any orientation(e.g., above, below, any side), but they are also applicable in variousforms to the other components or accessories of the modularmulti-container housing structure 1. These accessories include, but arenot limited to, the stairways 4, façades 30, windows 40, windowtreatments 42, window shutter modules 43, and window casements 40, roofand roof segments 50, walls 54, and doors and door casements 70, most ofwhich are also shown in FIG. 52. Any of the above described interlocks140, 150, 250, 350, 650, 750, 850, 950, 1150 or modular interlock parts1050, 1250 can be used in any way or combination to secure the stairways4, façades 30, windows 40, window treatments 42, window shutter modules43, and window casements 40, roof and roof segments 50, walls 54, anddoors and door casements 70 to the containers 10.

Because a standard shipping container 10 has dimensions of 8′ (2.43 m)wide, 8.5′ (2.59 m) high, and 20′ (6.06 m) long, two of the verticalconnector frames 110 will not extend over the entire 20′ of the sidelength of the container. However, two vertical connector frames 110 canbe combined with a 4′ wide vertical window frame extension 134, as shownin FIG. 53, to extend and encompass an entire long side, top, or bottomof the container 10. In this exemplary embodiment, the window frameextension 134 is a set of three horizontal struts having the sameconnector compartments and orifices 124 as the connector frames 110, 111but are shorter for the embodiment of a 20′ long container 10.Therefore, appropriate modular interlock parts (e.g., 1050) can be usedto secure the two connector frames 110 respectively at the left andright ends of the three window frame extensions 134. In anotherexemplary configuration, when there is a need to lock two containers(top to bottom or side by side) together, then a single vertical orhorizontal connector frame is rectangular in shape if a longitudinallength of the horizontal struts 130, 132 is different from thelongitudinal length of the vertical strut 120, 122, as shown in FIG. 52,to extend and encompass an entire long side, top, or bottom of thecontainer 10. The window frame 42, itself, can have the samecross-sectional shape as the struts 120, 122, 130, 132, 134, the sameinternal compartments for securing therein the modular interlock parts250, 1050 as the struts 120, 122, 130, 132, 134, and the same orifices124 as the struts 120, 122, 130, 132, 134. Therefore, with anappropriate sealed groove or other connection at the inside surfaces ofthe window frame 42, a pane or panes of glass 44 can be secured into thecenter opening defined by the window frame 42, as shown in FIGS. 53 and54, for example, to make a complete, ready-to-hang window within theopening defined by the two upper window frame extensions 134 and the twoopposing vertical struts of the adjacent container frames 110. Suchexemplary configurations are shown in FIGS. 53 and 54.

FIG. 54, however, illustrates an alternative embodiment to theconfiguration of FIG. 53 where the lowest window frame extension 134 isnot included. This configuration illustrates how one window frameextension 134 and two vertical door frame extensions 138 can beconnected between two opposing vertical connector frames 110. Ifdesired, a bottom, shorter, horizontal, window frame extension 136 canbe added for additional support, but this is not a requirement. As canbe seen in FIG. 54, the shorter window frame extension 136 is disposedbelow the window frame 42. Removing this second, shorter, window frameextension 136 allow one to easily see that the three struts 74, 138, 138form both a door frame 72 and an orifice in which the window frame 42can be secured.

It is noted that the modular interlock parts 250, 1050 are shown onlysecuring a modular window frame 42 in between two of the connectorframes 110 in a vertical orientation. While windows are mostly hungvertically, a horizontal orientation connected to connector frame 111 isalso envisioned, for example, to create a skylight, with the windowglass 44 being a single sheet, such as that shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, orit can be a bay-type window, such as that shown in FIGS. 64 to 66.

FIG. 55 illustrates a door frame system having interlocks 250, 1050 inboth vertical and horizontal positions connecting an exemplaryembodiment of a door frame system to a pair of connector frames 100,which assembly of connector frames 100 are ready to be connected tocorner fittings 60 of a shipping container 10 in acontainer-to-connector frame-to-container connection.

Another exemplary configuration of a doorframe is depicted in FIGS. 56and 57. Therein, a connector doorframe 74 has vertical struts and ahorizontal strut connected together at angular joints and a set ofmodular interlock parts (here, e.g., four of 1250) are shown forconnecting, in a central orifice thereof, a modular, pre-hung door 76.In FIG. 57, the modular, pre-hung door 76 and the set of modularinterlock parts 1250 are depicted separated from one another.

An exemplary configuration of a window frame is depicted in FIGS. 58 and59. Therein, a connector window frame 46 has vertical and horizontalstruts connected together at angular joints and a set of modularinterlock parts (here, e.g., four of 1250) are shown for connecting, ina central orifice thereof, a modular, pre-hung window 48. In FIG. 59,the modular, pre-hung window 48 and the set of modular interlock parts1250 are depicted separated from one another. The assembly of theconnector frame 46 allows for the early and safe installation of thewindow to be locked in place, thus protecting the glass and frames fromdamage during construction. FIGS. 60, 61, 62, and 63 show enlargedportions of the assemblies in FIG. 58. Also shown is a rubber cap 1259that covers the connector 1251 and, if desired, also the washer and nutassembly 1258.

FIGS. 64 to 66 show a variation of the window assemblies depicted inFIGS. 58 to 63. The features are similar and, therefore, the descriptionis not repeated and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Inthese figures, the window assembly is a bay window assembly 80 havingthe connector window frame 46 with vertical and horizontal strutsconnected together at angular joints and a set of modular interlockparts (here, e.g., four of 1250) are shown for connecting, in a centralorifice thereof, a modular, pre-hung bay window 88. In FIG. 66, themodular, pre-hung bay window 88 and the set of modular interlock parts1250 are depicted separated from one another. The assembly of theconnector frame 46 allows for the early and safe installation of the baywindow to be locked in place, thus protecting the glass and frames fromdamage during construction.

FIGS. 67 to 71 show exemplary embodiments of a verticalcontainer-to-connector frame-to-container connection 100 system betweentwo shipping containers 10-8, 10-9, one on top of the other, and with ahorizontal container-to-connector frame-to-container connection 100system between two shipping containers 10-7, 10-8, one on the rear endside of the other, with a container-to-connector frame-to-roof moduleconnection 90 system above the top shipping container 10-9 and below aroof module/segment 50, including, for example, a hip roof module 91(FIG. 67), a gable roof module 92 (FIG. 68), a Polynesian roof module 93(FIG. 69), a shed roof module 94 (FIG. 70), and a curved roof module 95(FIG. 71), to connect the roof module/segment 50 to the upper shippingcontainer 10-9, and with door 70, window 40, and shutter module 43connector frames systems to be connected and locked in place on theright side of the lower shipping container 10-8. In FIGS. 67 to 71, theshipping containers 10-7, 10-8, 10-9, the connector frames 110, 111, themodular architectural elements (such as doors 70, windows 40, andshutters 43), and the set of modular interlock parts 1050 are depictedseparated from one another. The assembly of the window and doorconnector frames 46, 72 allows for the early and safe installation of awindow or door to be locked in place, thus protecting the glass andframes from damage during construction.

It is noted that various configurations described herein have beendepicted or described with one or another of different combinations. Forexample, some connector frames have been depicted and/or described withmodular interlock part 1050 while others have been depicted and/ordescribed with modular interlock part 1250. No one combination of thevarious different embodiment should be understood as limited to thatsingle combination shown or described. Herein, any of the various partscan be combined or exchanged with another one of the parts in anycombination that is possible. For example, where a particularconfiguration is shown or described with modular interlock part 1250, itis equally possible to be combined with any of the other interlocks 140,150, 250, 350, 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050, 1150 or modular interlock part1250. No single part is to be understood as being required to becombined with another singular part and all possible combinationsthereof are expressly claimed herein without repetitive description forreasons of brevity.

While one exemplary embodiment for the container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection systems is to utilize shipping containersfor homes, these can also be used for safe schools, for laboratories,and for clean rooms, to name a few applications. Regarding use forschools, the shipping containers provide significant bullet resistanceand can be enhanced to be bullet proof. The shipping containers can beattached together with the container-to-connector frame-to-containerconnection systems in units or packs of four or six to make largerclassrooms or to make separate rooms with interconnected hallways.

The structures can also be used as bullet-proof/resistant safe rooms orhouses or as a bunker.

In each of the exemplary embodiments that the container-to-connectorframe-to-container connection systems can be used with shippingcontainers, the structures have attributes allowing them to qualify ashurricane shelters, being able to withstand winds of up to 300 mph invarious configurations.

It is noted that various individual features of the inventive processesand systems may be described only in one exemplary embodiment herein.The particular choice for description herein with regard to a singleexemplary embodiment is not to be taken as a limitation that theparticular feature is only applicable to the embodiment in which it isdescribed. All features described herein are equally applicable to,additive, or interchangeable with any or all of the other exemplaryembodiments described herein and, in any combination, or grouping orarrangement. In particular, use of a single reference numeral herein toillustrate, define, or describe a particular feature does not mean thatthe feature cannot be associated or equated to another feature inanother drawing figure or description. Further, where two or morereference numerals are used in the figures or in the drawings, thisshould not be construed as being limited to only those embodiments orfeatures, they are equally applicable to similar features or not areference numeral is used or another reference numeral is omitted.

Unless otherwise described, reference signs differing by the value 100or a multiple of 100 hereinabove are intended to describe similar, same,or corresponding features or components, so that reference can be madeto the respective descriptions elsewhere in this description. Forexample, the reference signs 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 etc., are used todesignate, describe, and display interlock mechanisms. Each of these isinterchangeable with the other and this applies to every similarlyfunctioning part with a different reference sign.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate theprinciples, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of thesystems, apparatuses, and methods. However, the systems, apparatuses,and methods should not be construed as being limited to the particularembodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodimentsdiscussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and theabove-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variationsto those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the systems, apparatuses, and methods asdefined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular housing structure, comprising: at leasttwo shipping containers having corner fittings defining orifices, eachshipping container having six sides, a first of the at least twoshipping containers adjacent a second of the at least two shippingcontainers to face a pair of the six sides towards one another to definea facing side pair defining a perimeter; a plurality of modularinterchangeable interlocks each having a lock part: movable between alocked position and an unlocked position; and shaped and configured tolock within an orifice of any of the corner fittings of the at least twoshipping containers; and a modular connector frame: disposed between thefacing side pair; having a shape corresponding to the perimeter; andcomprising four modular struts each having: a first corner interlockassembly defining a first hollow interlock assembly compartment shapedto contain therein at least one of the interchangeable interlocks; and asecond corner interlock assembly defining a second hollow interlockassembly compartment shaped to contain therein at least another one ofthe interchangeable interlocks, wherein: a first subset of theinterchangeable interlocks is disposed within each of the first andsecond hollow interlock assembly compartments and positioned such that,responsive to moving each lock part into the locked position, the fourmodular struts are removably locked together to form an enclosedrectangle having four corners; and a second subset of theinterchangeable interlocks disposed in the first and second cornerinterlock assemblies at each of the four corners of the frame andconfigured to lock within an opposing orifice of a corner fitting of oneof the two shipping containers to removably lock the modular connectorframe to the two facing sides and secure the at least two shippingcontainers together.
 2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein thesix sides comprise two opposing ends and four sides and the facing sidepair comprises one of: the two facing ends of two shipping containers;and two facing sides of the two shipping containers.
 3. The structureaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of modularinterchangeable interlocks are identical in shape and are configured tobe any of the first and second subsets of the interchangeableinterlocks.
 4. The structure according to claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of modular, interchangeable struts comprises: a first end atwhich the first corner interlock assembly defines the first hollowinterlock assembly compartment shaped to contain therein at least threeof the interchangeable interlocks; and a second end, opposite the firstend, at which the second corner interlock assembly defines the secondhollow interlock assembly compartment shaped to contain therein at leastanother three of the interchangeable interlocks.
 5. The structureaccording to claim 1, wherein the enclosed rectangle is a square.
 6. Thestructure according to claim 1, wherein, responsive to the second subsetof the interchangeable interlocks being moved to the locked position,the two shipping containers are removably locked together at the twofacing ends.
 7. The structure according to claim 1, wherein: the atleast two shipping containers are at least three shipping containers;the modular connector frame comprises first and second modular connectorframes each having subsets of the interchangeable interlocks; two of theat least three shipping containers are removably connected together attwo opposing ends thereof by the first modular connector frame and asubset of the interchangeable interlocks; and two of the at least threeshipping containers are removably connected together at two opposingsides thereof by the second modular connector frame and a subset of theinterchangeable interlocks.
 8. The structure according to claim 1,wherein at least one of the first and second shipping containers havedimensions of one of: 8′ wide by 8.5′ high by 20′ long; 8′ wide by 8.5′high by 40′ long; 8′ wide by 8.5′ high by 10′ long; 8′ wide by 9.5′ highby 40′ long; and 8′ wide by 9.5′ high by 45′ long.
 9. The structureaccording to claim 1, wherein the first and second shipping containersand the modular connector frame comprise at least one of a school room,a laboratory, and a clean room.
 10. The structure according to claim 1,wherein the first and second shipping containers and the modularconnector frame comprise a hurricane shelter configured to withstandwinds of up to 300 mph.
 11. The structure according to claim 1, whichfurther comprises at least one accessory comprising at least one of astairway, a façade, siding, a window, a window treatment, a windowcasement, a roof, a roof segment, a wall, a door, and a door casement,each accessory comprising at least one hollow interlock assemblycompartment shaped to receive therein at least one of the modularinterchangeable interlocks.
 12. The structure according to claim 11,wherein, responsive to the at least one modular interchangeableinterlock being disposed in the at least one hollow interlock assemblycompartment and to the lock part of the at least one modularinterchangeable interlock being moved into the locked position, the atleast one modular interchangeable interlock removably locks therespective accessory to a respective opposing lock part orifice of oneof the corner fittings of one of the first and second shippingcontainers.
 13. The structure according to claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of modular interchangeable interlocks comprise: a body; thelock part pivotally connected to the body between the locked positionand the unlocked position; and a driveshaft connected to the body in arotatable manner and operatively connected to the lock part to pivot thelock part into the locked position responsive to the driveshaft beingrotated in a first direction and to pivot the lock part into theunlocked position responsive to the driveshaft being rotated in a seconddirection opposite the first direction.
 14. The modular multi-containerhousing structure according to claim 1, wherein the second subset of theinterchangeable interlocks comprise: a first group of theinterchangeable interlocks positioned to lock within an opposing orificeof a corner fitting of a first of the two shipping containers toremovably lock the modular connector frame to the facing side of thefirst shipping container; and a second group of the interchangeableinterlocks positioned to lock within an opposing orifice of a cornerfitting of a second of the two shipping containers to removably lock themodular connector frame to the facing side of the second shippingcontainer.
 15. The structure according to claim 14, wherein each of theplurality of modular interchangeable interlocks is identical in shapeand configured to be any of the first and second subsets of theinterchangeable interlocks.
 16. A modular multi-container housingstructure, comprising: at least two shipping containers having cornerfittings defining orifices, each shipping container having six sides, afirst of the at least two shipping containers adjacent a second of theat least two shipping containers to face a pair of the six sides towardsone another to define a facing side pair defining a perimeter and atleast one facing corner pair of the corner fittings; a plurality ofmodular interchangeable interlocks shaped and configured to lock withinany of the orifices of the corner fittings of the at least two shippingcontainers; a modular connector frame comprising modular,interchangeable struts each having opposing first and second cornerinterlock assemblies each containing at least one of the modularinterchangeable interlocks to define a first subset of the plurality ofmodular interchangeable interlocks, the struts disposed between thefacing side pair the first subset of the plurality of modularinterchangeable interlocks within the corner interlock assemblies of thestruts being positioned such that, responsive to being locked, thestruts removably lock together to form a rectangle having a shapecorresponding to the perimeter; and at least one second subset of theplurality of modular interchangeable interlocks being disposed withinthe corner interlock assemblies of the frame positioned and configuredto lock within an opposing orifice of one of the at least one facingcorner pair of corner fittings responsive to placing the frame againstthe one of the at least one facing corner pair of corner fittings andlocking the second subset.
 17. The modular multi-container housingstructure according to claim 16, which further comprises at least onethird subset of the plurality of modular interchangeable interlockswithin the corner interlock assemblies of the frame positioned andconfigured to lock within an opposing orifice of the other of the atleast one facing corner pair of corner fittings responsive to the framebeing placed against the other of the at least one facing pair of cornerfittings and responsive to the third subset being locked.
 18. Themodular multi-container housing structure according to claim 17, whereineach of the plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks is identicalin shape and configured to be any of the first, second, and thirdsubsets of the interchangeable interlocks.